Data Usage Reporting Overview
The LiveRamp Data Marketplace facilitates the exchange and monetization of audience segments between data consumers (buy-side), such as brands, agencies, and platforms, and data sellers (sell-side). Below is a summary of the workflows and methods used to track usage, calculate royalties, and manage reporting.
Overview of Buy-Side and Sell-Side Data Usage Reporting Processes
Buy-Side Data Usage Reporting Workflow
Buy-side data usage reporting consists of the following processes:
Data Receipt: LiveRamp collects audience segment usage reports from over 100 programmatic platforms and over 200 brands/agencies, as well as TV partners. Data arrives via both email and API channels.
Templates & Methodologies: Usage reports follow either LiveRamp's standardized template or each platform's individual reporting methodology. Approximately 85% of platforms supply usage data aligned to single audience segments, while 15% report across multiple audience segments per transaction. For those 15% of platforms that report multiple audience segments on a usage record, LiveRamp uses a prorated allocation method.
Quality Review: All incoming usage data is subject to review for completeness and accuracy. This includes checks on CPMs (cost per thousand impressions), validation of segment IDs, and other critical usage details.
Royalty Calculation: After data validation, usage is processed via a royalty management system. This system determines the financial share (royalty) split between LiveRamp and each relevant data seller, according to specific segments used by the buy-side client.
Invoicing: Once royalties are calculated, invoices are sent to the corresponding platforms, brands, or agencies for payment.
Sell-Side Data Usage Reporting Workflow
Sell-side data usage reporting consists of the following processes:
Monthly Close & Controls: At month-end, LiveRamp conducts rigorous quality control activities and reviews to ensure accuracy of all reported usage and royalty calculations.
Aggregation & Payment Calculation: Usage data is aggregated by data seller, and royalty payment amounts are computed based on total segment usage, applicable pricing, and agreed-upon revenue share percentages.
Reporting & Payment Delivery: Detailed usage and payment reports are generated for each data seller, followed by scheduled payments according to contractual terms.